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Are you a “Soul Man?” It’s time to get jazzed up about prostate cancer awareness at Gift of Life’s Champagne & Ribs on Thursday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Beaumont Civic Center. This year’s Blues Brother-themed bash will spotlight exceptional community “soul-diers” in the fight against cancer – the “Soul Men” Honorees, which include Interventional Cardiologist and Southeast Texas Cardiology Associates founder Rudy Sotolongo, Griffith Moseley Johnson & Associates, Inc. President and CEO Carl Griffith, Provost Umphrey Law Firm, LLP Equity Partner James Payne, Bishop of the Diocese of Beaumont Most Reverend David Toups, and Benckenstein, Reviere and Dresden Attorney of Counsel Jerry Nathan.
“We are proud to participate as honorees at Champagne & Ribs benefiting the Gift of Life Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer Program for Southeast Texas men who cannot afford insurance or high deductibles,” said the honorees in a joint statement. “The event raises critical funds to help the organization pay for its lifesaving healthcare services and prostate cancer screenings.”
Tara and Charlie Holder, the “Cool Cat” event chairs, will be swankin’ up the night with the chicest of VIP Receptions, a razzlin,’ dazzlin’ live and silent auction, live entertainment, music and dancing.
All this excitement is perfectly paired with five-star food provided by Bando’s Catering, Zummo Meat Co., Courville’s Catering and Special Events, Rao’s Bakery and more with the best bubbly provided by Giglio’s and other local supporters. And this will be music to your ears – the “Hip n’ Happenin’ Toastmaster” – Jefferson County District Attorney Keith Giblin, who is returning as Master of Ceremonies to ensure no one goes on like a broken record.
Event tickets are $175 per person and sponsorships are available. For more information, visit giftoflifebmt.org or call (409) 833-3663.
This smooth as jazz Party of the Year will have you groovin’ for a good cause. All proceeds stay in the community and benefit Gift of Life’s no-charge services that include prostate cancer screenings, primary care tests, physician consults, and navigation to follow-up care for Southeast Texas men.
In 2023, Gift of Life conducted men’s health events in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Hardin County, providing nearly 600 local men with necessary primary care services and prostate cancer screenings that they might otherwise go without. Through these timely interventions, three men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and are now being monitored and navigated through treatment, with the majority of clients’ outcomes requiring follow-up medical care for potentially life-threatening conditions. All screening and treatment costs are assumed by Gift of Life.
“On average, adult men are less likely to use preventive health services, like routine checkups, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and wait longer after the onset of symptoms before seeking care,” said Gift of Life Medical Director Gwendolyn Lavalais. “This underutilization of health services coincides with more chronic illnesses, shorter life spans and more preventable deaths among men than women. That’s why the success of Champagne & Ribs is so important because it empowers Gift of Life to continue providing the superior, lifesaving care our clients depend upon to live healthy, happy, and, hopefully, longer lives! Together, we can make a difference.”
This summer, Gift of Life will continue its Men’s Health Summer of Screenings at locations in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Hardin County. Interested participants can contact Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org/get-a-screening for scheduling information.
The organization also invites those who have been impacted by prostate cancer to join its Men Against Cancer Prostate Cancer Support Group and men who are survivors of any form of cancer can also participate in Gift of Life’s Active Living After Cancer program for men and women.
Groups are now forming for its upcoming classes with two convenient options: Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. Contact the organization at (409) 833- 3663 or visit giftoflifebmt.org/ active-living-after-cancer to sign up.
“Gift of Life is an excellent organization. They’re in the process of helping me with my prostate cancer,” said Michael Thibodeaux, who was diagnosed in 2023. “I’m so thankful for them and recommend them to everyone who has health issues and can’t afford to purchase health insurance. Thanks Gift of Life for Everything.”